Organization Description:

SEA (Society for Education and Action) was founded by Mr. S Desingu, a 6th generation fisherman, in 2000 in Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu. Being a graduate in Psychology and Undergone one year training in Multi-Purpose Health Work, at Voluntary Health Service, Chennai, he wanted to serve his fishermen community. So after working as a health worker for 10 years in Voluntary Health Services a reputed Community Health organization, with other like minded activist he initiated SEA. SEA has developed several programs to improve the enrollment of school going children residing in this fishing community and reduce child laborers. Services include increasing awareness about the value of education, creating motivation centers, child health programs, parent-teacher meetings and developing youth groups to eliminate child labor.

Community Summary:

SEA is a community based organization that works with children of fisherman and salt-pan workers. Often in these fishing communities, children begin fishing or salt panning from the tender age of 10 years; dropping out of school and entering the family tradition is a way of life. However, many find it a difficult occupation since traditional fishing is a job of high risks, where few reap the benefits of a good catch. As a result, many of these fishermen and their families suffer socially and economically. Young children working in these hazardous environments are often inflicted with severe wounds while salt panning or fatal accidents while fishing in the sea.

Project Summary:

SEA runs 6 motivation centers for fisherman and salt pan worker’s children. These centers motivate working children to continue their formal education. 153 working children as well as drop-out's from school benefit from these centers. The initial emphasis is on getting proficient in reading, writing and doing simple mathematics; once that is achieved they follow government syllabus and curriculum so that the children can join the government schools and find it easier to continue their education. In addition to that SEA helps children in learning about their family and village and provides supplementary education support for school going children. So far 82 working children have enrolled in these programs. The drop out rate in the nearby schools has also reduced since this intervention began. Every year during admission period that is during June/July, SEA organizes enrollment rallies and make sure that all 5+ year old children are enrolled in first standard; last two years SEA has helped in achieving 100% enrollment of 5+ children in first standard. To improve the quality of education, SEA has appointed 5 additional teachers through the Parents Teachers Association in 4 Government schools as these government primary schools have only two teachers managing 5 classes. In addition to funding these programs, Vibha is funding capacity building and teacher training activities.